International School of Nuclear Law

Participants study all essential aspects of nuclear law: radiological protection, nuclear safety, radioactive waste management, transport of nuclear materials, physical protection, non-proliferation, regulation of trade and nuclear third party liability and insurance.

The law governing the peaceful uses of nuclear energy does not lend itself to uniform categorisation. Although it is not completely autonomous, as it includes norms governing other branches of law such as civil law, environmental law or transport law, it does, however, present certain specific traits and differs in numerous respects from general legal precepts. To begin with, there is the uniqueness of its historical origins, as the energy released from the fission of the atom was used for military purposes before being deployed for civilian ends. This resulted in the imposition of an exceptional regime of controls and restrictions upon international nuclear trade with a view to preventing the proliferation of atomic weapons. Another particularity is that it applies to advanced technology comprising innovative technical characteristics and specific risks, features that have led to extensive regulation in the fields of radiological protection, nuclear safety and radioactive waste management, to name but a few. Finally, there is the specificity of its international dimension - the legal framework surrounding electro-nuclear programmes established in the wake of the Second World War led to the drafting of a series of international conventions which both preceded and promoted the harmonisation of domestic legislation and regulations. In short, nuclear law is of an original nature, at the basis of innovative concepts which have since been widely adopted by other legal disciplines, and is in a constant state of evolution in order to adapt to the technological developments and to better control the risks associated with their use.

The International School of Nuclear Law was established by the University of Montpellier 1 in co-operation with the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency. The School benefits from the support of the the International Nuclear Law Association and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The ISNL aims to provide a high quality course of education on the various aspects of this discipline. It is open to both law students pursuing their studies at doctoral or masters level who wish to follow an introductory course on nuclear law and familiarise themselves with career opportunities open to them in this field. It is also open to young legal professionals who are already active in the nuclear sector and who wish to develop their knowledge.

Independent of its teaching role, the School serves as a forum for students to meet recognised specialists in nuclear law in a studious yet convivial atmosphere.

The current educational programme of the School essentially consists of an introductory course on nuclear law.

• the origins and uniqueness of nuclear law;
• protection against ionising radiation (including the use of radiation sources);
• nuclear safety and nuclear accident management;
• non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and international safeguards;
• nuclear security: physical protection and illicit trafficking of nuclear materials;
• transport of nuclear materials and fuel;
• management of spent fuel and radioactive waste;
• liability, compensation and insurance for nuclear damage;
• international trade in nuclear material and equipment.

Classes include traditional lectures combined with extensive discussion periods, and case studies. A technical visit to nuclear installations could also be organised.

The next session of the School will take place from 25 August to 5 September 2008 inclusive. 

The number of participants is limited to approximately 55. Should any selected participants subsequently withdraw their application, persons on the waiting list will be allowed to participate in the session.

Participants will receive documentation in advance enabling them to prepare for their courses. They may be requested to undertake a certain amount of research work before the session.

The School will deliver a certificate to each student, testifying to their active participation in classes.

The 2008 Programme will be available in the near future. In the meantime, we invite you to consult the programme of the 2007 session of the ISNL in order to get an idea of its content.

Participants enrolled in the ISNL programme have the possibility of applying for a University Diploma (Diplôme d'université - D.U.) in International Nuclear Law. Requirements to obtain the Diploma are threefold: the first relates to continual assessment during the ISNL course; the second is a "take-home exam" to be completed by the candidates over a period of approximately ten days; and the third requirement is to submit a dissertation on a subject of international nuclear law. Candidates are entitled to choose between English and French for their written examinations and the dissertation. The best dissertations will be selected for publication in the NEA Nuclear Law Bulletin or in other legal reviews.

Lectures are delivered by renowned specialists in nuclear law, particularly from academic circles, specialised international organisations, the nuclear industry and insurance sector, and other experts in the nuclear field.

Director

Pierre Bringuier, Professor of Public International Law, University of Montpellier 1, France

Chairperson of the supervisory board

Patrick Reyners, Consultant, Paris, France

Members of the supervisory board

Mark Beyens, Chief Legal Officer, General Affairs, Electrabel SA/NV, Brussels, Belgium

Jean Dubois, Judge, Administrative Court of Appeals, Marseille, France

Pierre Dujols, University of Montpellier 1, Department of Medical Information, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France

Odette Jankowitsch-Prevor, Former IAEA: Senior Lawyer, Section Head, External Relations & Policy Coordination

Chantal Jarlier-Clement, Chef du Pôle Veille Environnement et Développement Durable, Secrétariat Général, EDF, Paris, France

Vanda Lamm, Professor, Institute for Legal Studies, Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary

Rafael Manovil, Professor, Lawyer Faculty, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Ki-Gab Park, Professor, Law Faculty, Korea University, Seoul, Korea

Norbert Pelzer, Retired Academic, Former Professor, University of Göttingen, Germany

Jacques Percebois, UFR Sciences économiques, Espace Richter, Montpellier, France

Johan Rautenbach, Director of the Legal Affairs Office, International Atomic Energy Agency

Julia Schwartz, Head of Legal Affairs, OECD/NEA

Hisashi Tanikawa, Director, Japan Energy Law Institute, Tokyo, Japan

Requirements for candidates

Candidates must be either at an advanced level in their legal studies, or have acquired relevant professional experience in the nuclear sector or demonstrate a marked interest in the programme of the School.

As classes take place in English, an advanced level in this language is required.

Participants should hold insurance to cover accidents, hospitalisation or repatriation.

Candidates may obtain an application form from this website. To request an application form in Word format, contact us.

Registration fees

Registration fees for the 2008 session are 1300 euros for professionals and 400 euros for students financing their own participation. These fees cover tuition costs and educational materials provided during the course, but do not include accommodation or subsistence expenses. Please contact us for more information.

Scholarships

Grants may be awarded on a discretionary basis to selected students from NEA member countries. The International Atomic Energy Agency also awards a number of fellowships to professionals from its member countries. Please contact us in respect of any further queries.

Venue

The 2008 ISNL Course will take place in the new premises of the University of Montpellier 1, at "Espace Richter" which is located at Port Marianne on Tram Line 1, approximately a 15-minute tram journey from Place de la Comédie or Gare St Roch.

The university has traditionally been open to international co-operation, and the International School of Nuclear Law aims to welcome law students and young professionals from all countries. The first session was held in August/September 2001.

Accommodation

A list of hotels close to "Espace Richter" will be available shortly. Participants are requested to make their own hotel reservation and we encourage them to do so as soon as possible as there are generally a number of international congresses taking place in Montpellier during the ISNL Period.

Further details regarding hotel accomodation in Montpellier can be found on http://www.ot-montpellier.fr/.

• Resources





•  Application form for the 2008 session



•  Nuclear energy law



•  Sponsorship



•  Course objective


•  Programme



•  University diploma



•  Teaching staff



•  Admission



•  Practical information



•  Contacts



•  Links